Convenia injection - side effects?

[Judi-1]

I realize this is an old thread, but a friend of mine had a very recent experience involving Convenia.

His 4-year old female cat apparently had a urinary tract infection [UTI]; she was otherwise a healthy cat. The cat was taken to a vet [not her regular vet], who as a first-line approach gave her an injection of Convenia.

Within a couple of hours the cat had become "a zombie"—extremely lethargic and not eating or drinking. The cat's health rapidly deteriorated and two days later she had to be euthanized. The severe reaction was clearly caused by the Convenia injection.

I understand there are many far less risky options to deal with a UTI in a cat, and Convenia appears in any event to be touted primarily for 'skin infections'. Plus Convenia stays in the body for a long time, as opposed to other non-injectable drugs that the body can get rid of quickly.

[catdad7x]

Originally Posted by Judi-1

I realize this is an old thread, but a friend of mine had a very recent experience involving Convenia.

His 4-year old female cat apparently had a urinary tract infection [UTI]; she was otherwise a healthy cat. The cat was taken to a vet [not her regular vet], who as a first-line approach gave her an injection of Convenia.

Within a couple of hours the cat had become "a zombie"—extremely lethargic and not eating or drinking. The cat's health rapidly deteriorated and two days later she had to be euthanized. The severe reaction was clearly caused by the Convenia injection.

I understand there are many far less risky options to deal with a UTI in a cat, and Convenia appears in any event to be touted primarily for 'skin infections'. Plus Convenia stays in the body for a long time, as opposed to other non-injectable drugs that the body can get rid of quickly.

Sorry your friend lost his cat, especially in such a manner. When I've dealt with UTI's in the past, it was usually clavamox or clindamyacin (sp?), with a 10 day regimen. Covenia provides no hassle for the human, but at what cost?
Thanks for this little story.... and welcome to the forum.

[Dwatted Wabbit]

Originally Posted by jencam

I wasn't given an option nor was I warned. I thought, after my cat became a bit lethargic and I panicked and learned about it, that I should have been told options. And perhaps suggest to me that if I can pill her or liquid medicate her, that would be better .....

I WOULD have used it on the feral I tamed, but not enough to medicate. He was very sick. Convenia was certainly apt to do more good than harm and better than no meds!

I caught one of our strays--not feral, he's quite affectionate now (or was until Convenia)--and took him to the neuter joint, Humane Ohio. They said he had a skin infection on his head and suggested Convenia. I figured, just another antibiotic so OK, the guy was in a pretty bad way.

Little did I know the side effects. I got him home Tuesday, and when I opened his cage door rather than hiss he let me pet him and scrunch his head.

Later when it got warmer I opened the garage door, thinking he'd probably head for freedom. But he's been holed up somewhere in the garage clutter ever since. He's eating and drinking, but this morning I found a big gob of diarrhea by the drain. I'd seen a little spot of it Wednesday and thought, side effects, no biggie, he's been through a lot.

So I looked up Convenia and saw the articles referenced above. NEVER AGAIN!!

I don't want to kill or make very sick this poor guy, I just want him better so he can live a happy cat life.

One person said they administered probiotics every three hours.

I haven't contacted our vet yet, any OTC suggestions and successes are much appreciated. THANKS!